Triton (or other) sumps - return area too small?

[jcl123]

Hello all,

I have been looking at Triton sumps such as the Trigger and Synergy, or going custom.

One thing that has been bugging me is the size of the return pump area. Most are about 6" wide and only hold a few gallons. Sure, it is (just) big enough for your typical submersible return pump, and you could also use external...

But, this is the "variable" portion of the sump where you do ATO... just wondering if it gets cramped. Could have issues when the system is off depending on how much water comes down from the tank.

I know the water changer / ATO from Genesis Reef Systems might not even work because it needs a good gallon leeway, and it uses four sensors. The Neptune one probably would work find.

So, just wondering if anyone has had issues with smaller return pump sections.

-JCL

 

[roberthu526]

I use the IM brand ATO with two sets of conductivity sensor. You can set the water level any way you want and it's been working really well for me for the past two years.
But I totally get what you mean. It's the main reason I am going to build my own sump system for my next build because I am going to use a big pump(jebao 18000) and I want to make sure I have enough water in the return section.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I like smaller return sections as a smaller change in water level will mean that the ATO is on more often pumping in a lower volume of water which helps keep salinity stable [more important on a smaller setup like mine].

One negative is that when I did my DIY sump I didn't leave enough extra room for the pump to not contact glass and vibrate a bit =(

Hoping for a new pump @ christmas lol

 

[sidney109]

you want the return section small enough that it can never flood your main tank
i go for smaller the better lol.

 

[jcl123]

I like smaller return sections as a smaller change in water level will mean that the ATO is on more often pumping in a lower volume of water which helps keep salinity stable [more important on a smaller setup like mine].

One negative is that when I did my DIY sump I didn't leave enough extra room for the pump to not contact glass and vibrate a bit =(

Hoping for a new pump @ christmas lol

Yes, this is one of the issues I am thinking of. I think it also limits future flexibility.

 

[jcl123]

you want the return section small enough that it can never flood your main tank
i go for smaller the better lol.

Could you not simply change the position of the intake of your pump? In that way you could control how much water would pump out in case of drain failure. If your sump is really small you don't have an option.

But I do get this, it is a consideration.

I am really tempted to grab on of these discounted Triton's made my Trigger systems... it is not perfect, but it is really cheap compared to what a custom sump will cost me.